Many business owners we’ve spoken with didn’t start with a huge team on day one. They had to learn how to be a good boss, but the problem is the books on leadership are often highly theoretical and so we wanted to hear practical examples of what it means to be a good boss. So, we asked some brilliant, insightful folks to share stories about the best bosses they’ve had.

Jackie Van Sant Downes

The best boss I ever had was my winemaker at Comstock Winery, Chris Russi. He was not just a leader but a mentor who had an incredible way of seeing challenges from different perspectives. I would often get worked up or stressed when issues arose in the winemaking process—it’s such an intricate and sometimes unpredictable job. Chris always remained calm and had this incredible ability to help me step back, breathe, and approach problems with more patience and intention. His positive attitude was contagious, and he taught me how to stay focused on solutions rather than getting bogged down by obstacles. Read more>>

Gaudencio Contreras

Michael George was the most extraordinary human being I ever had the privilege to meet. When I first interned in 1999 the business was swamped. He saw me and asked who I was. I introduced myself. I said
“My name is Gaudencio Contreras, sir, and it was very nice to meet you.” He asked me what my zodiac sign is and I told him Aquarius. He then said you’re a good man. Michael George was located on East 57th Street. I still remember the number of roses processed daily. One day, he came to me and said You will learn how to make arrangements, but first you must know how to process all the flowers. Read more>>

Dan

The best boss that I have ever had is also my current boss and is now the person I have sworn to be the last person that I will ever work for. Her name is Brittney Mims and she owns the clinic that I work in, Mims Method PT. She started the business with just herself and slowly grew it over time. Eventually I became her first ever full time employee and am now the clinic director overseeing 10 employees and counting. Brittney is a fearless and relentless leader that also finds a way to be incredibly calm and understanding in even the most hectic of environments. She is an inspiration not only to me but to other people in the industry and I consider it an honor to be able to work with her. Read more>>